11/09/2025
What Makes Hand Therapy So Specialized?
Our hands are critical to everyday life—whether it's typing, cooking, driving, or holding a cup of coffee. When an injury, surgery, or chronic condition affects the hand or upper extremity, recovery can be complex. That’s where hand therapy comes in.
Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) are occupational or physical therapists with advanced training in treating conditions from the shoulder to the fingertips. Their role is to help restore strength, motion, and function through customized rehabilitation plans.
Common reasons people seek hand therapy include:
- Post-surgical recovery (e.g., tendon repair, joint replacement)
- Repetitive strain injuries (carpal tunnel, tendonitis)
- Arthritis management
- Fractures or dislocations
- Nerve compression or trauma
Treatment begins with a detailed evaluation. Your therapist will assess movement, strength, sensation, and daily activity limitations. From there, they design a tailored plan that may include:
- Therapeutic exercises
- Manual techniques
- Splinting (custom-made if needed)
- Adaptive tools and ergonomic education
Hand therapy doesn’t just target pain or range of motion. It focuses on returning patients to the specific activities that matter to them. Whether you're a musician, athlete, or office worker, therapy goals are based on your lifestyle.
CHTs also collaborate closely with referring physicians and surgeons to ensure a coordinated recovery. This team approach helps speed healing and reduce complications. In some cases, therapy may even help avoid surgery altogether.
Regaining hand function is about more than mobility—it’s about restoring independence. Hand therapy offers a bridge between medical management and full recovery.